In the sun-soaked Spanish seaside resort of Benidorm, shady deeds are being committed right under the glaring vacation sun, serving as the backdrop for the new television series “Benidorm Is Murder.” Produced by Blackbox Multimedia and Clapperboard Studios, the project brings together an unlikely crime-solving duo tasked with navigating the eccentricities of a bustling tourist hub while frequently exasperating the local police force by taking over investigations.
The series stars veteran Scottish actor John Hannah, widely known for his roles in “The Mummy” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” alongside Carolina Bécquer. Together, they portray Dennis and Rosa, a mismatched pair whose professional partnership forms the beating heart of the procedural drama. For international audiences and broadcasters looking for fresh content, ZDF Studios is handling worldwide distribution, positioning the series as a distinctive entry in the current television landscape.
A Unique Backdrop Where Anything Is Possible
Setting a crime drama in Benidorm provides a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional mystery series filmed in moody, rain-slicked metropolitan streets or ultra-luxurious enclaves. Hannah points out that the real-world location offers a tangible authenticity that viewers can instantly grasp.
“It’s a beautiful place where dark things happen. Also, it’s real. It has golf courses, water sports, and entertainment up the wazoo. Everything you need. Sometimes you watch these shows and go: ‘I don’t buy it.’ But in Benidorm, anything is possible,” Hannah says.
Bécquer shares this sentiment, emphasizing that the narrative relies heavily on the specific energy of the resort town to maintain its credibility. “If it took place anywhere else, it would feel fake. It works because it’s Benidorm. That’s exactly the energy you feel when you’re there,” she notes.
While Benidorm may lack the quiet exclusivity of high-end Mediterranean hotspots, Hannah argues that this very lack of traditional luxury is precisely what forms its core charm. It is a working-class world, a demographic he feels has increasingly been sidelined in contemporary television narratives.
“It’s a very working-class world, and the working class seems to be out of fashion in terms of their stories and their narratives,” Hannah observes. “It’s populated by many people from that background, who are retired or on their vacation. Not everyone can afford the Riviera or the Caribbeans. But they still want sunshine!”
The production intentionally leans into these realities, embracing the town’s distinct architectural and cultural identity. Describing it as a unique British enclave abroad, Hannah notes that it introduces viewers to characters and communities rarely represented on modern television screens. Recalling his entry into the industry in the 1980s, when working-class tales were far more prevalent with actors like Mark Strong, Daniel Craig, and Gina McKee, he views the series as a form of escapism that stays rooted in authentic working-class experiences.
Embracing the Wacky Realities of Resort Life
The episodic investigations introduce Dennis and Rosa to an eccentric rotation of holidaymakers and locals. From feuding Take That tribute bands and Irish bachelorettes to comedians and dedicated bingo enthusiasts, the canvas of characters is remarkably varied. Crucially, however, the series maintains a respectful tone toward its subjects, steadfastly refusing to look down on the people who populate the resort.
“We also show the real people who are there. We try really hard not to be judgmental in real life, so why would we be in storytelling? Why [look down on] people who are perhaps a little overweight or have medical issues and require mobility scooters? They actually had mobility scooter races last year, and the police had to intervene,” Hannah says. “It’s a wacky place, but it allows people to live out their dreams, in a way.”
This commitment to authenticity extends to the central characters. While the episodic cases reflect the endless parade of tourists flowing through the resort, the overarching narrative provides Dennis and Rosa with substantial long-term character arcs. They represent a classic study in contrasts: Dennis is a cynical ex-cop who practically lives in a local Scottish pub, whereas Rosa is a wannabe actress whose personality radiates warmth and enthusiasm.
Bécquer highlights the dynamic between the two characters as a driving force of the show. “One of the things I like most about her is how passionate and enthusiastic she is. She comes alive when she’s doing what she loves, and I love the relationship she has with Dennis. There’s almost a father-daughter dynamic, but also a brother-sister one because they get on each other’s nerves. She’s constantly trying to get him out of the pub and into adventures,” she notes.
Hannah draws a parallel to his own personal experiences, noting the familiar generational friction. “There’s something really lovely about that. I know my daughter often finds me embarrassing, too. Maybe it’s because of the age gap or because Rosa has difficulties with her own father and Dennis is estranged from his daughter. They are two jigsaw pieces that fit together.”
Stepping into the shoes of Dennis proved to be a comfortable fit for Hannah, who describes his character as someone who keeps a rotation of football tops and only tackles laundry when prompted. Benefiting from strong writing, he found the character instantly accessible, noting that playing a grumpy, Scottish persona allowed him to tap into an aspect of himself he rarely brings to his professional work.
Looking Ahead to a Potential Second Season
As the series progresses, the tone shifts slightly toward the conclusion of the first run. Dennis finds his history catching up with him, leading to a dramatic cliffhanger that leaves his fate hanging in the balance. While Hannah jokingly questions how his character will escape the situation, expressing confidence that his partner will intervene, Bécquer confirms that Rosa will certainly make a valiant effort to rescue him.
Even before the initial premiere, planning for the future of the franchise is already underway, with a second season currently in development. Both lead actors express strong enthusiasm for continuing to explore the world created by writer Ian Jarvis.
“Ian’s writing is so great. He blends the procedural side with real human beings. I’d be very happy to spend a lot longer exploring that,” Hannah states. Bécquer echoes this sentiment, pointing to the broad appeal of the cozy crime genre for audiences seeking entertainment that is not psychologically exhausting. “All these characters have a purpose, which allows this show to have more seasons. Also, people love ‘cozy crime’. Sometimes, you need something that isn’t psychologically exhausting. Here, you’ll get some clues, you’ll get your answers, and you’ll have a good time.”
Reflecting on the broader cultural appetite for lighthearted entertainment, Hannah compares the appeal of the series to the weightier, darker thrillers dominating contemporary media. Sometimes, he suggests, viewers simply want to take a mental trip to Benidorm.
“We’re living in dark times. When I was younger, I felt that the future would be positive, that we would all feel part of Europe and share our cultures. Now, everything is quite worrying, whether you’re getting AI feeds or listening to what’s happening in America or even in France. Spain looks like a leading light in a way, with its progressive government. It’d be great to see more of that,” Hannah reflects. “Sometimes, people just want a bit of escapism. Who doesn’t want sunshine and beaches when the world is so overcast and cloudy?”
